Methanol tragedy in Laos back in spotlight with hostel tied to six fatalities set to reopen

The Laos hostel at the centre of a deadly methanol poisoning that killed six travellers — including two young Australians — is quietly preparing to reopen, a year after the catastrophe that devastated families across three continents.

Vang Vieng, long known for its backpacker bar crawls and wild river culture, became the scene of a mass poisoning in November 2024 when at least 11 tourists fell violently ill after drinking contaminated alcohol.

Two of them, Australians Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, died after being flown to a hospital in Thailand.

Their parents told the ABC that the grief has barely eased, and the lack of accountability has made it worse. As the anniversary nears, they say Laos authorities have failed to deliver answers to justice.

Four other travellers also tragically died, including Simone White from the UK, American tourist James Louis Hutson and Danish nationals Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman and Freka Vennervald Sorensen.

All had been staying at Nana Backpackers Hostel, a popular budget stopover that became the epicentre of the unfolding emergency.

The Laos Government initially struck a sombre tone, saying it was “profoundly saddened”, expressing “deepest condolences” and pledging to “bring the perpetrators to justice”.

Authorities shut the hostel and posted a sign declaring it closed “until the problem is resolved and new orders”.

But the hostel’s owner denied the methanol had come from his bar, and the staff were ultimately released. No one has been charged.

A year later, the case has stalled.

While families mourn, life in Vang Vieng has moved on.

The tourist season has begun, but the town feels subdued this month. A few backpackers floated along the Nam Song River on inner tubes.

The Nana hostel remained shut, its courtyard cluttered with renovation debris. The closure sign has vanished, and a neighbour confirmed workers had been refitting the building.

When the ABC called the hostel, a worker said the venue would reopen soon under a new name.

“We will try to open by end of this month but we’re not sure yet,” he said before abruptly hanging up.

For Holly and Bianca’s parents, that prospect is unbearable. Shaun Bowles and Samantha Morton say Laos police have shown “appalling” disregard for the victims.

They explained that there was “no evidence” to suggest an investigation into the six deaths was being completed.

“We’ve seen nothing,” Mr Bowles said.

“Absolutely nothing. I believe it’s all been swept under the carpet, pushed to the side and forgotten about.”

Earlier this year, the Laos Government recommended laying charges against 13 people allegedly linked to the poisoning.

However, reports have emerged that police urged the suspects to flee.

“Our understanding is police authorities told staff at Nana’s, effectively, to get out of town,” Bianca’s dad, Mark Jones, said.

The Laos Government has reportedly rejected further help from the Australian Federal Police. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Holly and Bianca “should still be with us” and that their families “deserve justice”, adding: “Australia expects full accountability.”

But Mr Bowles said they feel like they are “way down the bottom of the priority list” with the Australian government.

“What else can they do? I don’t know, but I feel they’re our last resort,” he said.

Smart Traveller issued a warning to those travelling to Laos, “Be alert to the potential risks, particularly with spirit-based drinks, including cocktails”.

In a statement, Smart Traveller also confirmed, “Lao authorities issued an order prohibiting the sale and consumption of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky due to their concerns about these products being a health risk. Australians should avoid consuming these products due to these serious safety concerns”.

Some families want tougher measures. Bianca mother said Australians should stop spending money in Laos until someone is held responsible.

“Until something is done over in Laos, I think we should ban the country,” she said.